MyObservatory (我的天文台)

MyObservatory (我的天文台) is a personalized weather app developed by the Hong Kong Observatory, delivering real-time weather data tailored to your exact location. Whether you're planning your day or preparing for severe weather, this app puts accurate meteorological information at your fingertips with frequent updates and location-based alerts.

Stay informed with comprehensive current weather conditions including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind direction and speed. The app pulls live weather photographs from nearby weather stations, giving you a visual sense of conditions around you. Weather photos update every 5 minutes and rainfall data every 15 minutes, while other readings refresh every 10 minutes—so you always have the latest picture of what's happening outside.

Customize your weather experience through flexible location settings. Choose automatic location detection powered by your smartphone's GPS, or manually pinpoint your location on an interactive map. Your selected location appears prominently on the home screen and within your personalized weather report. If your location cannot be determined, the app displays your last successfully located position or defaults to Hong Kong Observatory data. The meteorological data shown comes from nearby weather stations, though in cases where local data is unavailable, readings from Observatory headquarters, King's Park, and Star Ferry stations are used instead—marked with a ▲ symbol for transparency.

Receive timely weather warnings and rain forecasts through push notifications powered by Google Firebase Cloud Messaging. Location-specific heavy rain information and lightning forecasts help you prepare for changing conditions. The notification system automatically alerts you to important weather updates based on your preferences, keeping you ahead of dangerous weather without requiring constant app checks.

Note that notification delivery depends on your network quality and may take 5 to 20 minutes or longer after the Observatory issues an alert. Location-based rain and lightning forecasts increase battery usage slightly—enable them during rainy weather or before outdoor activities, then disable them on clear days to optimize battery life. The app's built-in clock automatically syncs with the Observatory's Internet Time Server for precise timekeeping.

As a free app, standard data charges apply through your mobile provider, and roaming charges can be substantial. Weather readings may differ from actual conditions due to topography differences and GPS positioning variance. MyObservatory (我的天文台) also offers direct access to the Observatory's Facebook page for additional weather insights and community engagement.